Education on the topic of health and safety in the wake of a potentially dangerous virus is crucial.  Coronavirus, scientifically known as COVID-19, originated in China and has spread to the United States.  Recently, the first known case of COVID-19 was found in Oregon.

Keeping the Central Oregon Community College campus a safe and healthy location to learn and socialize is of importance.  However, the possibility of coronavirus spreading to campus should inspire students and faculty to pay especially close attention to the active members of COCC’s community.

The virus spreads mainly from person-to-person contact.  This includes respiratory droplets, which are produced when the infected person coughs or sneezes.  Cover your mouth with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand.

Touching surfaces that have been infected can also transmit the virus.  Use disinfectant wipes to clean the workspace before and after use.  Tables, chairs, door handles, and other objects typically used multiple times a day on campus can carry the virus anywhere from two hours to nine days after an infected person has come in contact with it.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.  Do not come to class if you are ill.  Your health and your peers’ health should be the primary concern.  In addition, pay close attention to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  Not only could this expose you to the virus, but it could expose those you are in contact with thereafter.

Finally, wash your hands.  It is the easiest way to avoid spreading germs.  Washing hands before and after class as well as after using the restroom can drastically improve the risk of exposing any person to any form of illness.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is tracked by local and national health resources.  For more information, follow the link to COCC’s website about COVID-19: https://www.cocc.edu/news/coronavirus.aspx

Emma Evenhus/For The Broadside